New Doncaster scheme welcomes breastfeeding mums

Doncaster Council has launched its new We Support Our Mums scheme, a local initiative which encourages local businesses and community venues to show they are breastfeeding-friendly and reduce the stigma sometimes associated with breastfeeding.

The aim of We Support Our Mums is to make it easy for mums to find welcoming and supportive places to breastfeed as well as to recognise those businesses and organisations that promote and support mums.

To find breastfeeding-friendly venues across the Borough, mums are advised to look for the brightly coloured WSOM logo, displayed in the windows of cafés, libraries, Family Hubs and other public venues across Doncaster.

Members of the public are also encouraged to prompt their favourite coffee shops, cafes and other meeting places in Doncaster to take part in the scheme by registering online at www.doncaster.gov.uk/wsom

Councillor Nigel Ball, Doncaster Council Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “We Support Our Mums is all about removing the stigma that some people associate with breastfeeding in public places, mums can legally breastfeed anywhere but many do not feel confident in doing so. The more mums who breastfeed in public, the more normalised it will become, which can only be a good thing for the health of both mother and baby”.

“We already have over 30 businesses that have joined the scheme and a further 60 interested in taking part but I would encourage any other local businesses to get in touch and take part in this free scheme.”

One of the venues taking part in the scheme is Taste work experience cafe in the Waterdale Centre. Angie Dowling, Manager of Taste, said: “We’re keen to do our bit in developing a culture where breast feeding is supported and normalised. We can play our part by offering a welcoming environment for women to breast feed when they’re out and about and by encouraging public acceptance.”

Rebecca Pryce is a Doncaster mum, she said: It’s nice to come into somewhere and not have to feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding or feel like I should ask permission. I’m looking forward to seeing more mums breastfeeding if they choose to do so.

For details of all places in Doncaster that support that support breastfeeding and for further details about the scheme, visit www.doncaster.gov.uk/wsom or telephone 01302 862146.